Flames News

Castro Unveils Wrestling Roster Featuring Nationally-Ranked Recruiting Class

Liberty wrestling head coach Jesse Castro announced his roster for the newly reinstated program for the upcoming 2006-07 season, including a nationally-recognized recruiting class. The Flames recruiting class has been named among the Top 25 in the nation for Division I schools according to the web site Intermat Wrestling.

With a solid foundation built upon the 2006-07 recruiting class, Castro believes the reinstated program is off to a good start. "To start from scratch has been challenging. The program is attracting some very accomplished wrestlers who are looking for a Christian education," stated Castro. "It is exciting for us to be named among some of the premier programs in Division I wrestling."

The Liberty wrestling programs returns after a 12-year hiatus as the school sponsored the sport from 1974 to 1994 under coaches Bob Bonhiem and Don Shuler. The reinstatement of the program has been aided by the support of the Liberty Wrestling alumni and fan base. Liberty Founder and Chancellor, Dr. Jerry Falwell has stated "In years past, Liberty built a wrestling tradition that was a very positive influence on this campus and we are committed to a return to excellence in this program". Wrestling becomes Liberty's 18th NCAA Division I sport with its return to this fall.

The program will mark its return to competition on Saturday, November 4 in a quad match with Anderson, Gardner Webb and host Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va.

The Flames roster has 27 wrestlers from 12 different states. Nine members of Castro's first squad hail from the Commonwealth of Virginia, while five others come from the neighboring state of West Virginia.

The Liberty roster follows:

125
Christian Smith - 3X VA state champ ACC champ NCAA qualifier

Daniel Earley - 05 OH state champ - 2nd in the senior nationals

Sean Katz - 4th in AAA state championships Va.

133
Dustin Hicks - GA state champ 3AA, 3rd place

Zach McCray - WV state runner-up 2X, Reno placewinner

Anthony Emana – 2X state qualifier Va.

Sam Walters – 2X state qualifier Pa.

141
Tim Harner - Pa. 5th, 3rd, 3rd Nationally ranked 9th all weight classes - NCAA qualifier

Ryan McDonnell - Fla. state qualifier

149
Aaron Kelley - 2X W.Va. state champ - 3rd in Reno

Brandon Holbert - 2X Va. state champ